Char Supported Catalyst for Syngas Cleanup and Conditioning

Reference Number: K 10-11

Inventors: Yuan, Wenqiao; Wang, Duo

Owner: Kansas State University Research Foundation

USPTO Link:

Invention Summary

Synthetic fuel production from biomass (organic waste or co-products) has become an
increasingly popular approach as petroleum prices and environmental awareness have
risen together. However, at present, the conversion of biomass to syngas (en route
to synthetic petroleum) produces various unwanted organic byproducts, generally termed
tars. Extensive research has been done over the last decade on syngas reforming catalysts
that will chemically remove or reform tars more efficiently and effectively. To date,
the major hurdle has been the cost-prohibitive nature of many of the materials and
processes to create catalysts.

Researchers at K-State have developed a more economically viable technique for syngas
cleaning and conditioning. Their procedure uses char, a waste byproduct of carbon
combustion, in combination with Nickel (II) Oxide. Although their material costs
for the catalyst are considerably lower, results indicate that their char-supported
catalysts are just as effective as the best-known current catalyst (NiO/Al2O3), removing
99% of tars within experimental parameters, conditioning the syngas and even converting
some tar into useful H2 and CO. These results suggest that as the global market for
energy derived from syngas grows, a char-supported catalyst could be incredibly successful.

Advantages

Less Expensive and saved use of Ni

No impregnation or calcining necessary for NiO support

Higher carbon monoxide concentrations in the reformed syngas

Just as effective as more expensive tar removal techniques

Applications

This technology could be used at any bio-energy facility that produces syngas as an
intermediary between organic waste and usable fuel.